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Bee Venom-A Potential Complementary Medicine Candidate for SARS-CoV-2 Infections
Keneth Iceland Kasozi1,2, Gniewko Niedbała3, Mohammed Alqarni4
1Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Public Health
|December 28, 2020
Summary
Bee venom (BV) shows potential as a complementary therapy for SARS-CoV-2. Its anti-inflammatory compounds may reduce cytokine storm and boost immunity, offering a novel approach to managing COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Complementary Medicine
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggers cytokine storm syndrome.
- SARS-CoV-2 interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors.
- Bee venom (BV) has demonstrated efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of bee venom (BV) as a complementary therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- To investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of BV relevant to COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies and scientific literature on BV, melittin, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2).
- Analysis of BV's impact on cytokine expression (IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, ERK1/2, Akt).
Main Results:
- Epidemiological data suggests local beekeepers may have immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
- BV components like melittin and PLA2 exhibit antiviral activity and suppress proinflammatory cytokines.
- BV activates cellular and humoral immune systems, similar to its effects in other diseases.
Conclusions:
- Bee venom possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties beneficial for managing SARS-CoV-2.
- BV's efficacy against other viruses (HIV, H1N1) and its immune-stimulating effects warrant further investigation for COVID-19 complementary therapy.
- BV could be a promising candidate for novel therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2.
